Categories

How to Compost Eucalyptus

By Meg Butler; Updated September 21, 2017

Eucalyptus leaves make rich, nutritious humus like any other leaves. But leaves should never be the sole material in your compost pile. The microorganisms in your compost pile need a balance of green material like living plant and kitchen waste and brown material like dried leaves, paper or hay to break down matter effectively. If you don't have any straw readily on hand, consider buying a bale to add to your compost pile each time you deposit a pile of eucalyptus leaves or other green material.

Use pruning shears, a shredder or your lawnmower to break the eucalyptus leaves into the smallest pieces possible.

Spread the leaves over the top of the pile.

Shred or break up twice the amount of leaves by volume of brown material and add that to the pile.

Moisten the top layer of the pile by lightly sprinkling it with the hose.

Turn the pile so that the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Continue to turn the pile (at least once weekly or whenever a compost thermometer shows that there has been a drop in the pile's internal temperature) and add material as usual.

Things You Will Need

Lawn mower

Shredder

Pruning shears

Compost thermometer

Brown material

Tips

The ideal size of a compost pile is between 3 and 5 cubic feet.

Check the moisture-level of your compost pile frequently. It should always feel about as moist as a wrung-out sponge. If not, add more moist material or a few cups of water and turn it.

High concentrations of eucalyptus leaves in a pile may retard the decomposition process.

Compost made almost entirely from eucalyptus leaves will be slightly acidic.

References

About the Author

Based in Houston, Texas, Meg Butler is a professional farmer, house flipper and landscaper. When not busy learning about homes and appliances she's sharing that knowledge. Butler began blogging, editing and writing in 2000. Her work has appered in the "Houston Press" and several other publications. She has an A.A. in journalism and a B.A. in history from New York University.